The most common form of liver disease in cats is hepatic lipidosis,
or fatty liver syndrome. The condition can occur in cats of any
breed or age, although it is most frequently seen in middle-aged,
obese cats.
What Is Hepatic Lipidosis?
Hepatic lipidosis, which does not occur in people or dogs,
typically begins after an overweight or obese cat goes several days
without eating-often as a result of disease or stress, but there
may be no discernible reason. The cat's body begins using fat
for energy,
and the stored fat is processed by the liver. But because cats are
carnivores and rely on protein, they don't metabolize fat well.
Thus, the liver becomes overwhelmed with fat and starts to fail. If
the disease is left untreated, it can be life-threatening.
Cats with liver problems such as hepatic lipidosis are frequently
nauseated, dehydrated, and obviously sick. They are often
jaundiced, but this is difficult to notice since the skin is
covered in fur. One telltale sign of jaundice in cats is a yellow
tinge in the whites of eyes.
How Is It Diagnosed?
The signs of hepatic
lipidosis can mimic the signs of other diseases,
such as liver cancer or pancreatic disease. It is also not unusual
for
hepatic lipidosis to develop in cats that are affected by other
diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, renal failure, feline
immunodeficiency virus, or feline leukemia, because sick cats often
have a poor appetite. If your cat is overweight and has no
appetite, bring her to your veterinarian. During the evaluation,
your veterinarian will perform a physical exam to check for
underlying disease, dehydration, and signs of jaundice. A blood
test will also be performed to check for decreased liver function.
If necessary, a liver biopsy may be performed to look for large
amounts of fat in the liver cells.
What Is the Best Treatment?
The key to treatment of hepatic lipidosis is making sure that your
cat receives the nutrients she needs until she regains her
appetite. In many cases, this is accomplished by placing a feeding
tube temporarily in your cat's stomach. A special food
combination will be fed through the tube several times a day until
your cat regains her appetite. While your cat may require
supervision by your veterinarian at first, most of the treatment
will occur at home.
Treatment generally continues for 4 to 6 weeks but can take longer
in severe cases. More than three-quarters of all cats diagnosed
with hepatic lipidosis will make a complete recovery, especially if
they are treated with a feeding tube.
How Can I Prevent It?
Healthy cats that aren't obese are the least likely to suffer
from hepatic lipidosis. The best way to keep your cat in good
health is to offer a balanced diet, including plenty of water, and
provide exercise-such as playing games-every day. The best way to
keep your cat in good health is to offer a balanced diet and
provide exercise-such as playing games-every day.
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